Columbus Symphony Announces 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Season

The Columbus Symphony today announced its 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season, welcoming audiences back to the Columbus Commons for another unforgettable summer of music, community and celebration. A cornerstone of Columbus for 43 years, Picnic with the Pops continues to bring together audiences of all ages for world-class performances in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Since 2009, Nationwide has been the Title Sponsor of Picnic with the Pops.  

This year’s lineup features an exciting mix of Grammy-winning artists, chart-topping favorites, and high-energy collaborations with the full Columbus Symphony.

Saturday, June 13 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) Ledisi
Ledisi’s love for classic songs and legendary singers knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated the catalog of Nina Simone at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, and now, on her new album For Dinah, the powerhouse pays tribute to Dinah Washington. Raised in Alabama, Washington sang the blues and jazz with the same charm she brought to pop. Ledisi brings the same spirit across everything she does, imbuing Washington’s classic songs with the verve of neo-soul and contemporary jazz. Be there and see why John Legend called her “one of the greatest singers in the world, period.” 

Saturday, June 20 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) Wyclef Jean
Grammy Award-winning performing artist, producer and composer Wyclef Jean returns after debuting with the Columbus Symphony in 2018! Wyclef’s music, both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees, has been a powerful pop cultural force for over two decades. With a wealth of musical influences from jazz to classic rock to reggae, Wyclef’s hits include “Gone Till November,” “We Trying to Stay Alive,” and more.

Saturday, June 27 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) Windborne’s The Music of Tom Petty
A heartfelt tribute to one of America’s most enduring rock icons, this program celebrates the music of Tom Petty with symphonic arrangements of classics like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl.” It’s an evening of nostalgia, storytelling, and singalong favorites. Windborne Music produces Symphonic Rock shows around the world.

Saturday, July 11 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) Guster
Beloved for their infectious melodies and indie-pop sound, Guster joins the Symphony for a vibrant crossover performance. With hits like “Satellite” and “Amsterdam,” this concert blends orchestral color with the band’s signature warmth and energy. 

Saturday, July 18 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum selling artist whose genre-defying career has spanned nearly three decades. Her groundbreaking hit “How Do I Live” remains one of Billboard’s all-time greatest songs, and she’s had 15 top-10 hits across genres, including the global smash “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.” Rimes has sold over 48 million records globally, earned eight Grammy nominations and two wins, and made history as the youngest solo artist ever to receive a Grammy.

Saturday, July 25 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) The Alan Parsons Live Project
Known for their cinematic sound and progressive rock legacy, The Alan Parsons Live Project delivers an immersive evening of iconic hits such as “Sirius” (the Chicago Bulls theme), “Eye in the Sky,” “Games People Play,” “Don’t Answer Me,” and more. Paired with the full orchestra, this concert offers a rich, atmospheric musical experience. 

Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1 at 8PM (gates open at 6PM) Ohio State University Marching Band
A Columbus favorite and annual tradition, “The Best Damn Band in the Land” joins the Columbus Symphony and shows off their precision marching, dynamic musical arrangements, and beloved fight songs and battle cries. These high-energy concerts are a highlight of the summer season for audiences of all ages. 

Performances are led by Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, whose infectious energy continues to make Picnic with the Pops one of the most anticipated summer traditions in the region. Assistant Conductor Elias Miller also takes the stage on July 11 to lead Guster with the Columbus Symphony.  

A Summer Tradition that Brings Columbus Together 

“Picnic with the Pops is more than a concert series – it’s a shared summer ritual for our community,” said Maureen O’Brien, CEO of the Columbus Symphony. “Whether you’re joining us for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, these evenings reflect what makes Columbus special: coming together across generations to experience great music in a welcoming, accessible environment.”

Principal Pops conductor Stuart Chafetz added, “This season is all about connection – between artists and audience, between musical styles, and between the Symphony and our city. From the powerful voice of LeAnn Rimes to the energy of Wyclef Jean and the nostalgia of Tom Petty, there’s something for everyone. Performing outdoors with this community is one of the highlights of our year.” 

Continuing a Legacy of Community Impact 

As the Columbus Symphony celebrates its 75th Anniversary, this Picnic with the Pops season reflects the organization’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility. Each summer, tens of thousands gather to enjoy live music under the stars – making it a cherished annual tradition.  

In addition to its performances, the Symphony serves more than 55,000 students annually through its education programs, including youth orchestras, school concerts, and digital learning initiatives – ensuring that the next generation of music lovers and creators continues to grow. 

Tickets and Information 

Tickets for the Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Season are on sale now at www.PicnicWithThePops.com and capa.com and can also be purchased in person at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.) or by phone at 614-469-0939. General admission lawn tickets (bring-your-own chair or blanket) are $36.75-$52.50 in advance or at the gate. Lawn tickets for children aged 3-12 are $10.50-15.75. Children 2 and under are free. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics, including alcoholic beverages, subject to Columbus Commons regulations. 

In addition to individual tickets, premium seating options – including reserved tables with premium seating and optional catering packages, and full-season sponsorship packages – are available, offering unique opportunities for client entertainment, employee engagement, and hosting guests in a memorable outdoor setting. Contact the Columbus Symphony’s Director of Corporate Partnership, Johnny Riddle (jriddle@columbussymphony.com, 614.221.5629) for details about available season subscriptions and corporate sponsorship packages.  The Columbus Symphony gratefully acknowledges the generous in-kind support of Downtown Columbus, Inc. and Columbus Commons, whose partnership helps make the Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season possible. Programs and artists subject to change.